so... this is where I start following that alternate timeline. it does make sense. um I had to split Beck's big break into two chapters because thee peripheral stories made it too long, and the sight wouldn't let me upload it as one,... I don't think I successfully cut it in half forgive. but I will be posting the next chapter right after this. another disclaimer, Part two has some... underage adult contact. It's Trina, it's her attention-seeking, so please forgive it. I do not condone this kind of thing, but I was just going byu what Trina was feeling even though the man in the situation was a weak bastard. Doesn't happen again. otherwise, enjoy.

Beck's Big Break

Tori boarded the city bus early Saturday morning, determined to get to school for her detention. She slipped on her headphones, drowned out the world with her favorite playlist, and settled into her seat.

As she stepped off the bus and entered the pharmacy, her heart sank at the sight of Daniel behind the counter. She hastily grabbed some snacks, hoping to avoid any awkward conversation. But luck wasn't on her side as Daniel greeted her with a friendly smile.

"Hey, Tori! Long time no see," Daniel said, scanning her items.

Tori forced a smile, trying to keep the conversation brief. "Yeah, it's been a while. How've you been?"

Daniel shrugged. "Not bad. Actually, I've been thinking about dating again."

Tori's heart skipped a beat at his words. She wasn't sure how to respond. "Oh, um, congratulations," she managed to say, feeling a pang of jealousy she couldn't quite shake.

As she left the pharmacy and headed toward school, her thoughts lingered on Daniel's news. She felt a twinge of guilt for feeling jealous. After all, she was the one who ended things with him. But seeing him move on still stung.

As she approached the school, she noticed a familiar figure ahead. A brunette head streaked with blue and green caught her eye. Tori furrowed her brows, wondering what Jade was doing here on a Saturday.

Approaching the teacher in charge, Tori was surprised to learn that her detention had been canceled. She turned, spotting Jade in the back of the library, rolling her eyes at her realization. Tori couldn't help but feel a mix of confusion and gratitude towards her rival.

'Well, Happy Birthday to me!" she said and With a newfound sense of relief, Tori left the school, but not before stopping by her locker. She grabbed Jade's scissors and quickly wrote a thank-you note, slipping it inside before heading out. As she walked away, she couldn't help but wonder about the unexpected turn of events and what it meant for her and Jade.

As Cat walked into the pharmacy, she couldn't help but feel a flutter of nerves in her stomach. She made a beeline for Daniel, her heart pounding with anticipation. With a coquettish smile, she leaned against the counter, batting her eyelashes as she spoke.

"Hey, Daniel," she said, her voice a little breathless. "You know, I was thinking... maybe you could ask me out sometime?"

Daniel's eyes widened in surprise, but a smile spread across his face. "Really? You'd like that?"

Cat giggled, feeling a rush of excitement. "Yeah, I think it could be fun," she replied, doing a little shimmy in place.

As Daniel agreed, Cat felt a surge of happiness. Finally, someone was paying attention to her, someone wanted to be with her. She couldn't help but revel in the attention, even if it meant playing up her more whimsical side.

But beneath the bubbly facade, Cat's thoughts drifted to Robbie, or rather, Robyn. She frowned, feeling a pang of guilt. She knew she had to stop thinking of him as Robyn, to respect his identity as Robbie. Transphobia wasn't something she wanted to perpetuate, but she struggled to shake off the memories of their time together.

As she walked away from the pharmacy, a mix of emotions swirled inside her. She hoped that her newfound connection with Daniel would fill the void left by Robyn's absence, but deep down, she knew that true happiness wouldn't come until she learned to accept and embrace herself fully, quirks and all.

The sun was setting as Tori and Andre lounged on the couch in her living room, surrounded by an array of snacks and drinks. Since Shelby wasn't home this year, Tori and Andre had decided to make the most of her birthday by spending quality time together. Tori had just finished telling Andre about her eventful day, including the unexpected detention turned surprise reprieve thanks to Jade.

"Should we call the rest of the gang?" Andre suggested, scrolling through his phone.

Tori grinned. "Sure, why not? It'll be a mini birthday party!"

About half an hour later, the doorbell rang, and the rest of Tori's friends piled into the house, bringing with them an air of excitement and laughter. Beck and Jade were engaged in a playful argument as they entered, their banter filling the room.

"Jade, you should've gotten Tori a gift," Beck insisted, nudging her playfully.

Jade rolled her eyes. "Please, I don't need to give her anything," she retorted, a smug grin tugging at her lips.

Tori stepped in, chuckling at their antics. "She's right, Beck. Jade doesn't owe me anything. Besides, she already gave me the best gift by helping me out last night," she said, shooting Jade a grateful smile. "Plus, She saved me from serving a million detentions"

Beck couldn't argue with that logic. "Fair point," he conceded, giving Jade a nod of approval.

Jade felt an odd warmth spread through her chest at Tori's words, a feeling she couldn't quite place. It was rare for Tori to express gratitude toward her, and it left Jade feeling both pleased and slightly unsettled.

Just then, Andre's phone buzzed with an incoming FaceTime call from Shelby. Tori eagerly accepted the call, holding up the phone so everyone could see.

"Hey, Shelby!" Tori exclaimed, excitement evident in her voice. "I want you to meet everyone."

Shelby appeared on the screen, her face lighting up with a smile as she greeted Tori's friends. Cat gasped in surprise when she saw Shelby's resemblance to Tori.

"You look just like Tori!" Cat exclaimed, her eyes widening in astonishment.

Shelby chuckled, a hint of embarrassment coloring her cheeks. "I've heard that before," she admitted, exchanging greetings with the group.

As the conversation continued, Andre suddenly broke into song, leading the group in a heartfelt rendition of "Happy Birthday" for both Tori and Shelby. Shelby was visibly touched by the gesture, her eyes shining with emotion as she thanked them all.

The evening passed in a blur of laughter and camaraderie, each moment filled with warmth and friendship as Tori celebrated her birthday surrounded by the people she loved most.

The sun was shining brightly as Holly and Trina sat at a cozy corner table in the bustling brunch spot. Holly watched her daughter with a mixture of pride and concern, noticing the changes in her vibrant personality. Trina was animatedly chatting away, her excitement palpable as she discussed her aspirations at Hollywood Arts.

"I just don't get it, Mom," Trina exclaimed, frustration evident in her voice. "Why does Tori get all the attention? She's only been there for, like, five minutes!"

Holly listened intently, nodding along as Trina vented about the unfairness of popularity dynamics at school. She knew this time together was important, a chance for Trina to express herself freely without judgment.

As they chatted, Holly's attention was momentarily diverted when Gary, her husband's partner, walked into the brunch place with a blonde woman in tow. Holly greeted them warmly, introducing Trina to Gary and his wife, Kaylyn.

Kaylyn wasted no time in ordering a round of mimosas, insisting that Trina join them. Holly intervened, gently reminding Kaylyn that Trina was only 16 and didn't need any alcohol.

Trina shifted uncomfortably in her seat, feeling out of place in the presence of these adults and their indulgences. She glanced at her mother, silently grateful for Holly's protective instinct.

When Kaylyn excused herself to the bathroom, Gary leaned in to confide in Holly. "I'm taking her to rehab," he admitted quietly, his expression weighted with concern.

Holly's heart went out to Gary, understanding the difficult decision he was facing. She reached out, patting his arm in a gesture of support. "You're doing the right thing," she reassured him softly.

As they continued their conversation, Trina couldn't help but feel a sense of unease lingering in the air. She observed the interaction between her mother and Gary, sensing the weight of the situation they were discussing.

Despite the heaviness of the moment, Trina found solace in the presence of her mother, grateful for the opportunity to share this intimate brunch together. In that moment, she felt a deep sense of connection and understanding between them, a bond that transcended the challenges they faced.

On Monday, Tori and Andre ordered a burrito from Festus and headed toward their table. "Yeah, I've never been stung by a bee. So I have no idea if I'm allergic." He said swaggering next to Tori.

"You're lucky," Tori said. "Shelby once got stuck behind her ear and it swole the entire thing up. It was gross."

"Well at least her ears are still perfect now," Andre said.

"Aww.. you think our ears are perfect?" Tori teased.

"Yeah, just a little bit," Andre said, Just as Beck waved his hand at them and called them over.

The chuckling Duo approached the table, and Jade frowned. "I don't want them sitting here," Jade sighed, sucking her thumb. Tori and Andre took a seat anyway.

"You know, it's great that you're so open with your bitterness," Tori remarked as she opened her lunch tray.s starting to like this bantering between her and Jade, she was learning to give as good as she got.

"She's just grouchy 'cause she got stung by a bee," Beck explained as Jade opened her mouth, no doubt about to fire a scathing response to Tori's remark.

Tori noticed a stack of pink papers in front of Beck. "Is that a script?" she asked. Beck's eyes lit up,

Jade reached for Tori's Tray and stole her pickle. "I'm taking this," she said and took a bite, then smiled sarcastically at the Latina. Tori looked at the weird girl and rolled her eyes thinking Jade was lucky she didn't really like pickles.

"I'm auditioning for a movie called 'Misfire.' It's about this woman cop who gets fired and then goes on this crazy rampage."

"That's so cool! Who plays the woman cop?" Tori asked, turning back to her food after shooting a glare at the snack thief.

Beck smiled smugly. "Melinda Murray."

Tori's eyes bugged, and she nearly choked on her sandwich when she inhaled too sharply mid-chew. "Shut up!" Andre exclaimed excitedly as he pat Tori's back to ease her coughing fit.

Tori took a deep breath and excitedly turned to her friend. "You're gonna starr with Melinda Murray in a movie?"

"Well, I'll be playing Waiter #1, and I only have two lines… That's if I get the part," Beck explained. Jade ran a hand up and down Beck's arm smoothly, as if reminding Tori who he belonged to.

"So where's the script? I wanna read it!" Tori clamored, dropping her burrito.

"Well, you don't get the whole script unless you get the part. They only give you a few pages to audition with." Beck held up a small packet of worn pink pages held together by a metal clip.

"Sweet!" Tori said. "Well, I know you're going to do great."

As Beck stepped into the audition room, his nerves danced like wildfire beneath his skin. The casting director, a woman with a warm smile, watched him intently as he delivered his lines, but her attention seemed to linger more on his presence than his performance.

When Beck finished, a man sitting beside the casting director nudged her with his pen, breaking her reverie. "Impressive," he whispered, a hint of surprise in his voice.

The casting director nodded absentmindedly, her gaze still fixed on Beck. Without a word, she handed him a thick stack of papers – the full movie script – and motioned for him to take it.

Beck's heart raced as he stepped out onto the bustling street. The weight of the script in his hands felt both exhilarating and overwhelming. With trembling fingers, he flipped through the pages, his mind reeling with possibilities.

He drove aimlessly for a while, his thoughts consumed by the audition and the unexpected turn of events. Eventually, he found himself outside Jade's house. Her mother's silhouette was visible through the window, her hand flicking out periodically with a cigarette.

Jade's light was off, but before Beck could contemplate his next move, Cat leaned out of her own window, her voice cutting through the night air. "Did you bring my daughter home safe and sound?"

"She's not here?" Beck's brows furrowed in confusion.

"She's at her friend Cat's house," Cat replied casually. "They had some project or other. Said she would call you to pick her up."

Concern flickered across Beck's features. "You okay, Ms. West?"

"Jade's dad reached out to me... He always stresses me out," Cat sighed, extinguishing her cigarette. "What were you up to?"

"I had an audition," Beck confessed, the weight of the script still heavy in his hands.

"How cute," Cat remarked with a knowing smile. "You got the part and came to tell your girlfriend first."

Beck's posture shifted slightly at the mention of Jade. "Don't worry, you told me nothing, I guessed," Cat reassured him. "She's still the first person you're going to tell."

"Yeah, I guess," Beck murmured, glancing back at his car. "I'll go over to Cat's house then."

"Later," Cat called as she closed her window. Beck nodded and drove off, his mind racing with thoughts of the audition and Jade, his heart filled with a mix of excitement and uncertainty.

Tori and Marina lay side by side in the bed of Marina's dad's truck, the night sky spread out above them like a blanket of stars. Their fingers intertwined, they basked in the tranquility of the moment, finding solace in each other's presence.

"How do you like your new school?" Marina's voice broke the silence, gentle and curious.

Tori turned to look at Marina, a soft smile gracing her lips. "I really like it there," she replied, her gaze drifting back to the shimmering stars. "It's like I've found my place, you know? I've got friends now, and I finally feel like I belong."

Marina's response was a subtle nip at Tori's neck, sending a shiver down her spine. Tori's eyelids fluttered with pleasure, but she reminded herself that this was supposed to be a conversation, not a seduction.

"Tell me more," Marina whispered huskily into Tori's ear, her breath sending tingles down Tori's neck as she sucked on her earlobe.

"One of my friends is auditioning for a movie today," Tori managed to say between soft moans, her voice tinged with desire.

"Mmm, that's so cool," Marina purred, shifting closer to Tori in a more intimate embrace.

"Marina," Tori protested weakly, her resolve faltering. "This isn't what I had in mind. We're supposed to be talking, getting to know each other."

Marina's hand slid under Tori's shirt, her touch igniting a fire within Tori's veins. But Tori knew she had to stop this. It wasn't right.

With a heavy heart, Tori pushed herself away from Marina, breaking their intimate connection. "You're not taking this seriously," she said, her voice tinged with disappointment.

"Tori, you're boring as hell," Marina retorted, frustration evident in her voice as she slapped the truck bed in frustration.

"Really?" Tori's heart sank as she realized that Marina didn't see her for who she truly was. She wasn't just another ordinary girl. She was extraordinary, and Marina couldn't see that.

Without another word, Tori climbed off the truck bed, her decision clear. "I'm going home," she called out over her shoulder. "Don't call me again."

As she walked away, Tori knew that she deserved someone who saw her for the remarkable person she was, someone who appreciated her for more than just a fleeting moment of pleasure. And Marina wasn't that

Robbie's mind churned with conflicting emotions as he lay in bed, wrestling with his mother's suggestion of therapy. He knew transitioning came with its challenges, but the thought of seeking professional help stirred up a storm of anger within him. Despite his efforts to quell his frustration, he found himself drifting off to sleep with a heavy heart.

As he slipped into the realm of dreams, his mind conjured up a scene of blissful intimacy with Cat, his fantasies playing out in vivid detail. But the dream took a sharp turn when his hair began to grow uncontrollably, morphing into a nightmarish manifestation of his inner turmoil.

Cat's startled scream shattered the illusion, echoing in his mind as he grappled with the sudden shift in his dream. Panic surged through him as he looked into the mirror, expecting to see his own reflection, only to be confronted by the image of Robyn staring back at him.

The shock of seeing his former self in the dream sent a jolt of terror coursing through his veins, and he woke abruptly, gasping for breath. Sitting bolt upright in bed, he frantically glanced around the room, his heart pounding in his chest.

In the dim light of his bedroom, Robbie's male features stared back at him from the mirror, a stark reminder of the internal battle he waged every day. The weight of his identity crisis bore down on him, leaving him shaken and breathless in the wake of his haunting nightmare.

During the morning break, Tori spotted Andre and Cat applauding a student who had just finished a breakdance routine in the main hallway.

"Hey, hey," Tori greeted them, pulling out her newest musical conquest instrument. "Look'it what I got!"

"A piccolo?" Andre raised an eyebrow.

Tori nodded enthusiastically. "It's my new instrument."

"I thought you were playing the French—"

"It didn't work out," Tori cut across Cat with a tight smile. "So, now I'm a piccalist."

"Really cool," Andre commented.

Tori blew a few shrill notes, causing Andre to wince. He quickly plucked the small silver instrument from her hands, shaking his head. "No, no. No, no."

Tori frowned. "Was it that bad?"

Andre and Cat exchanged grimaces. "I like your skirt," Cat tried to appease her.

Tori sighed as she took her piccolo back, stowing it into her bag. Just then, Robbie stumbled into the main hallway looking disheveled.

"Any of you guys got gum?" Robbie asked desperately. "I didn't have time to brush my teeth this morning."

"Why not?" Tori inquired, taking in Robbie's appearance.

"And why do you look all sloppy and gross?" Cat added.

Robbie self-consciously smoothed his wrinkled shirt. "I've been having these… nightmares," he mumbled.

"What kind of nightmares?" Cat asked, concerned.

"None of your business!" Robbie snapped before pushing through his friends. "I need to go find some gum."

Andre shook his head and headed off to class. Dejected, Cat sighed. Robbie had never talked to her like that, and she turned to follow Andre.

Tori turned and spotted Beck, his serene look making her smile. "Hey, Beck."

"Oh hey," Beck greeted her, holding up a much thicker script than the small packet he held on Monday. "You said you wanted to read the 'Misfire' script?"

"Yeah, but I thought they only give actors the whole script unless…" Tori trailed off, realization slowly dawning on her face.

Beck bounced his eyebrows and grinned. Tori gasped. "You got the part!"

Beck quickly shushed her, looking around with a furtive glance. "It's not that big a deal."

"It's a huge deal," Tori insisted. "You're gonna be in a movie with Melinda Murray! Congrats, dude!" She playfully punched Beck's shoulder, and a wide smile spread over his face.

"Thanks," he chuckled.

"What did Jade say?" Tori asked, rummaging through her bag.

Beck shrugged sheepishly. "She didn't say much… You know…" He trailed off, implying they celebrated in their own way.

Tori blushed, catching his meaning. "Bruh…" She shook her head, chuckling, and walked away, leaving Beck with a grin on his face.

Robbie bolted upright in bed, sweat coating his skin as he panted heavily. His heart raced, and he could still hear the echoes of laughter ringing in his ears. It was just a nightmare, but the humiliation felt all too real. He glanced around his darkened room, trying to shake off the remnants of the dream.

With shaky hands, Robbie swung his legs over the edge of the bed and stumbled to his feet. He couldn't stay in bed, not after that nightmare. He needed to do something to distract himself, to chase away the lingering embarrassment.

Rubbing his eyes, Robbie shuffled out of his room and down the hall to the kitchen. The floorboards creaked softly beneath his weight as he made his way to the fridge. Opening it, he peered inside, the cool air washing over him.

His stomach churned with a mix of nerves and hunger. Without much thought, Robbie grabbed a container of leftovers and a bottle of water, his movements automatic as he sought solace in food.

Sitting at the kitchen table, Robbie took slow, deliberate bites, the familiar taste grounding him in reality. With each mouthful, the grip of the nightmare loosened its hold on him, replaced by the comforting routine of eating.

As he ate, Robbie's breathing gradually returned to normal, and the tension in his muscles began to ease. The nightmare still lingered in the back of his mind, but it felt less overwhelming now, more like a distant memory than a present threat.

Finishing his meal, Robbie set the empty container aside and leaned back in his chair, feeling a sense of calm wash over him. The nightmare had been terrifying, but he had faced it head-on and emerged on the other side. And now, with a full stomach and a clearer mind, he was ready to face whatever the day might bring.

The air crackled with tension as Gary stood in the dimly lit living room, his wife Kaylyn's furious gaze burning into him. Her fists clenched at her sides, her knuckles white with rage.

"You think you can just walk away from me?" Kaylyn spat, her voice dripping with venom. "After everything I've done for you?"

Gary's jaw tightened, his patience wearing thin. "I can't do this anymore, Kaylyn," he said firmly, his voice strained. "I'm leaving."

Kaylyn's eyes widened in disbelief, then narrowed into slits of fury. "You're leaving? You coward!" she screamed, lashing out at him with a vicious slap.

Gary flinched at the blow, his anger simmering beneath the surface. He caught her wrists before she could strike again, holding them firmly in his grasp. "Stop it, Kaylyn," he said through gritted teeth, his voice low and dangerous.

For a moment, they stood locked in a tense standoff, the silence heavy between them. Then, with a defiant shove, Gary pushed Kaylyn away and strode toward the bedroom.

Kaylyn's voice followed him, sharp and cutting. "You can't leave me! You're nothing without me!"

Ignoring her words, Gary grabbed a duffel bag and began packing his belongings, his hands trembling with a mixture of anger and determination. He had made up his mind - he was leaving, no matter what.

As he zipped up the bag, he felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins. This was it - the moment he had been building toward for months. He was finally taking control of his life, breaking free from Kaylyn's toxic grip.

With the bag slung over his shoulder, Gary turned to face Kaylyn, who stood in the doorway with a look of defiance on her face. "I'm filing for divorce," he said, his voice firm and unwavering. "I won't be trapped in this marriage any longer."

Kaylyn's eyes widened in shock, then filled with rage. "You'll regret this, Gary!" she screamed, her voice echoing through the empty house.

But Gary didn't falter. With one final glance at his wife, he turned on his heel and walked out the door, leaving behind the turmoil and chaos of their marriage for good.

Sikowitz slurped on his coconut vodka as he comically made Tori say "What did you do to my pants?" with different inflections. The kid was good and malleable, so he kept doing it. "Falling off a cliff!" Sikowitz declared.

Tori windmilled her arms slowly as she leaned back on one leg. Her voice slowly grew smaller as she called out, "What did you do to my paaaants!" It was so freaking good.

"Now, like a robot!"

"What did you do to my pants," Tori dutifully recited in a monotone voice.

"Wrong!" Sikowitz exclaimed. "Robots don't wear pants! It was a trick." He broke out into a silly little victory dance, giddy like after his morning pick-me-up. "Tori, you may sit. I suggest you use a chair."

"I'll give it a shot," Tori replied sarcastically and sauntered over to her chair. Just then, Beck walked into the classroom.

"Sorry, guys," he apologized, met with excited gasps and greetings anyway.

"How was working on the movie?" Cat blurted excitedly, sitting on the edge of her seat.

"You know," Beck half-shrugged modestly, effecting that cool guy facade he had perfected.

"Beck!" Sikowitz barked, sometimes wishing he could ruffle the cool and collected boy. He crossed his arms and stared sternly at the latecomer. "You're late."

"I'm sorry, we're doing this scene, and there was a problem with the lighting—"

"Say it like a robot," Sikowitz ordered.

"There was a problem with the lighting," Beck intoned robotically. "I'm very sorry," he added.

"Wrong!" Sikowitz thundered. "You said you were sorry, and everyone knows robots don't have emotions and, therefore, cannot feel regret. You kids have got to do your robot research!" Sikowitz stomped indignantly.

The boy sat down, and Erwin started his planned lecture. But he noticed his entire class was staring at the pretty boy with the head full of hair. He ran his fingers over his bald head, saying, "Good Ghandi, I'm even boring myself," as he turned to Beck. "Tell us all about the movie," he requested, eagerness evident in his posture.

"Well, my call time was at five am-" Beck started, but before he could get two sentences into his story, Sikowitz ushered him back to the stage and promptly took Beck's seat himself.

"Okay, well, my call time was this morning at 5 am," Beck continued, slightly abashed.

"Ooh!" Cat exclaimed. "That's early," she giggled.

"Yeah," Beck agreed easily, quickly moving past Cat's interjection with nothing more than a concerned glance at the redhead. "Well, they did my hair and makeup, and then the costume designer came to my dressing room and—"

"Wait," Jade interrupted. "The costume designer was in your dressing room?" Beck nodded. "Was she cute?"

"He- was adorable," Beck replied, assuaging the girl's jealousy. Well done, Beck, the teacher thought.

Jade settled back into her seat, a slight smirk on her lips, appeased by the answer given.

"Did you meet Melinda Murray?" Andre asked, and everyone turned to Beck in anticipation.

"No, not yet," Beck shook his head.

"I bet she's been stung by a bee," Andre stated darkly. Sikowitz looked at the boy, confused, wondering if he had been dosing too much. He had to watch that boy closely from now on.

"I wouldn't know," Beck replied with an easy smile. "But! You can ask her yourself."

"What?" Tori blurted out, her entire body perking up.

"The assistant director told me they need extras for a couple of scenes. So if any of you guys wanna do it—" Beck didn't get the chance to finish his sentence. He didn't need to.

The entire class was interested and lined up to sign up for this. Erwin smiled. His six favorites—yes, six, he had decided to add Tori to the number now—activated the shruggers like no one else did. The best group of talent he had ever taught.

The bell rang over the excited clamor of the students. As the kids walked out of the class, Erwin shouted, "Alright, everybody read chapter seven for tomorrow!" then he smirked and threw in a quip. "And study robots!"